Product Description

User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
BRIAN
a Cross Country Rider
from PHOENIX,AZ,USA

Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003

Strengths: FUNNY,EASY TO READ,PRETTY GOOD MAPS TOO.THE RATING SYTEM IS PRETTY GOOD DEPENDING ON YOUR LEVEL OF RIDING.I HAVE RIDEN ALOT IN NORTHERN AZ AND IT IS EASY TO GET LOST IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE AREAS,I HAVE CARRIED THE BOOK WITH ME TO SEE HOW ACCURATE HIS MAPS ARE AND THEY ARE PRETTY ACCURATE.

Strengths: Clear and well organized, this book allows the rider to find rides within a targeted area and assess the terrain and effort each possesses.

Weaknesses: I'm not sure about the "difficutly" ratings, though this is understandable do to the subjective nature of the task.

Bottom Line:

As an "out of towner," I can attest to the ease of use of this book. The map to the trails got me to the location, and the description and challenge rating prepared me for the ride ahead. The text and graphics make it easy to read and evaluate the ride (although nothing beats riding the trail itself). Bottom line, the product does what it is supposed to do.

Strengths: The only guide that actually rocks! This is by far the best book to have when it comes to riding in AZ. All the big trails are in there and there is a realistic discription of each. Each ride can be quickly referenced and planned. I usually just decide if heading north to Prescott or Flag or doing the local scene. Grab the book and go. Read on the way for a more adventure. I Love the maps,lingo, ratings. Oh, by the way, when they ray says PRIMO you better believe is PRIMO. Hey Ray, if you read this review, will you please send a new copy my way? I must say that while Fat Tire is Y2K proof, it's not over used proof! Love it, live it, ride it!

Weaknesses: We are lucky to have this Fat Tire "Bible" Myles 4:20

Bottom Line:

Go and buy this book if your at all interested in riding anywhere in Arizona

Similar Products Used: Yea, about every guide out there! Some are nice to have if you can get them used or on sale! "Only Fat Tire is worth the buck!"

Bike Setup: frame,2 tires,2 rims,lots of spokes,two hubs, a disc here and there, compressed air, and a few other little thigs that make a bike setup. Just kidding, I ride a Seven Sola with componets from just about every one. I support the little guy; when i can!

I have the New Mighty Millenium edition, which is the 14th edition. The maps are accurate enough to get you to the trail and to give you a real good idea of where they head (which is all you need), although they are not exact. The trail profiles show you how much climbing and stuff there is and when to expect it, and the distances are right on. The rating, effort, and skill information is a little less accurate but still quite good. I think the time estimates are pretty accurate too. My only complaint is that he put in a couple of crude things that I find offensive (although most people probably woudn't). Buy this book if you ride in Arizona (even if you already know lots of trails). Oh, most of the trails in the book are near Flagstaff, Sedona, Pheonix, or Tucson but most other areas have a trail or two in here as well.

Weaknesses: Hmmm. I guess I don't use a GPS. I carry a compass sometimes. The sun is in the south at noon. Water flows downhill. Hey, where ever you go, there you are. You always come out somewhere.

Bottom Line:

I have been working hard on this book through all 13 editions. There are over 100,000 in print. I ride these trails every day. Mountain Bike Action calls it "The best all time Arizona mountain bike guide." I try to maintain my sense of humor, even when riding with a broken thumb. I like to think it comes through in my work. Check out the website for free maps, photos, yellow pages, quirky links and more. www.MountainBikingArizona.com See more on Amazon.com Cheers, Ray

Strengths: Excellent coverage of all trails/areas. Very funny and informative. Easy to follow directions and routes.

Bottom Line:

Cosmic Ray puts together an excellent trail guide. He is a rider and knows what most riders want in a trail guide. He constantly updates the guide and adds new trails. This is definitely the guide for Arizona biking.

Arizona is a killer state for mountain biking, and Cosmic Ray has been there from day 1. He includes all of the classic rides, and the descriptions are great (both funny and informative). I don't have the latest edition, but I hear that he has elevation profiles now. GPS waypoints would be another nice touch. Sit down, read the book, laugh your ass off, and go ride. Simple enough!